Dani Busboom Kelly Gets Honest About Nebraska Players’ Reaction to Her Filling John Cook’s Shoes: ‘I Don’t Know (Them) Well’

It’s homecoming time and Dani Busboom Kelly is back in town! After the sudden retirement of John Cook, Dani was named the new head coach of the Nebraska Huskers. As the fourth head coach in Nebraska volleyball history, Dani, a Nebraska native, signed a six-year contract. With an impressive resume from her time at Louisville, where she made two NCAA championship appearances, three NCAA semifinals, five regional finals, and won four ACC titles, Dani has a record of 203-44 in eight seasons.

She had a particularly strong record of 120-15 over the last four seasons, including a recent trip to the NCAA championship. Filling the shoes of the legendary Coach Cook won’t be easy, but Dani Busboom Kelly is up for the challenge. She recently shared thoughts on the Nebraska players’ reaction to her taking over for John Cook.

In a recent Huskers Volleyball Instagram reel from February 5th, the host asked Dani Busboom Kelly about the support received from the team during her transition. Dani’s response was heartwarming. “I thought that was amazing. You know, I don’t know these players very well. I recruited them, some of them. I might have had one or two conversations with some of them, but nothing more than very surface level.”

Dani continued, “And for them to lose someone like John and immediately be able to turn their focus into, you know, what’s next and what can we do to support Dani, it was huge to hear that.”

Dani reflected on how it showed her that she made the right decision at the right time. “And just another, you know, another sign that this was a great move at the right time.” The players’ willingness to rally behind her meant the world to Dani, making her feel even more at home with the Huskers. And no doubt, stepping into John Cook’s shoes at Nebraska is no small feat.

During his 32 years in the NCAA, Cook achieved an 883-176 win/loss record and a win percentage of 0.834, which placed him among the top five Division I volleyball coaches in history. But his run at Nebraska? Pure magic.

He boasts a staggering 733-103 record and a win percentage of .875 to his credit; and under his leadership, the Huskers clinched four national titles. However, as soon as Dani stepped in, the Huskers quickly made her feel at home!

Dani Busboom Kelly receives a heartwarming welcome!

The sudden departure of Coach John Cook left the fans of Nebraska shocked, but what followed was another twist that came as a surprise to the hardcore fans. The Huskers later on appointed Dani Busboom Kelly to succeed Cook as the head coach of the team. But hold up, the surprises didn’t stop there! Both Cook and DBK made a surprise appearance at the Cornhuskers basketball game in January, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

John Cook made his way to the center of the court, and the stadium erupted as Athletic Director Troy Dannen welcomed the legendary coach. A second later, Dani Busboom Kelly came in to join him and the crowd erupted.

Hail Varsity posted the video of the moment, stating, “John Cook was honored for his retirement and Dani Busboom Kelly was welcomed back to Lincoln at tonight’s basketball game” while showing the two volleyball legends standing side by side, signifying the transition in the Nebraska volleyball team.

The true passing of the torch moment came when DBK, once a player under Cook, joined her former coach in the middle of the court for a heartfelt hug. The crowd gave them “Both received a standing ovation,” an appreciation of two legends of Nebraska volleyball.

Meanwhile, though fans couldn’t contain their excitement, DBK was spotted chatting with Rebekah Allick’s mom near the stands, giving fans a sneak peek at what was to come.